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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky honey garlic glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey (can substitute with maple syrup or sugar-free syrup for low-carb)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 7 to 9 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip using tongs.
  4. Cook the other side for 5 to 6 minutes until mostly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).
  5. While the chicken cooks, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, water, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the glaze over the chicken, coating evenly. Let it simmer gently, spooning the sauce over the chicken repeatedly for about 2 minutes.
  7. If a thicker glaze is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  8. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use medium-high heat for searing and medium-low for simmering glaze. Whisk cornstarch slurry well before adding to avoid lumps. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, sticky glaze chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken